S. Sudan rebels, G-10 to discuss harmonisation of strategies

March 23, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The two opposition factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – the SPLM in Opposition (SPLM-IO) and SPLM-Former Detainees (SPLM-FD) – are due to discuss harmonisation of their interests, a spokesman for rebel leader Riek Machar has confirmed.

There has been speculation on social media for the past few days suggesting that a meeting was to take place between the two groups to agree on a common position.

The spokesperson in the office of the SPLM-IO chairman, James Gatdet Dak, confirmed the plan to hold a meeting.

“Yes, it is true. On our side the chairman has already appointed a committee chaired by Comrade Henry Odwar to engage the former detainees. This is for mutual interest of the two groups,” Dak, told Sudan Tribune on Monday.

He said it was important for the two factions to further identify their common interests and proposals in ending the ongoing crisis in the country.

“We were one group that shared ideas and decisions until 15 December 2013,” he added.

The former detainees were put under detention by president Salva Kiir after the outbreak of the violence in mid-December 2013, accusing them of attempting a coup together with his former deputy Machar.

However, the party leaders dismissed the accusation and instead said president Kiir fabricated the coup narrative in order to abort the reform agenda in the ruling party. They were months later on released or acquitted in court and sent into exile.

Before their freedom, Machar fought for their release from the detention and further put the case forward as a condition for peace talks to continue with the government.

He also appointed their most senior official, former secretary general Pagan Amum to lead the SPLM-IO delegation to the talks.

The FD, sometimes also known as G-10, however refused to join the armed opposition led by Machar and instead said they chose to pursue peace in a non-violent approach.

They have since maintained their separate group at the peace talks, but sometimes face isolation by the two main warring parties.

The group is allotted only 10% in the power-sharing arrangements which Kiir and Machar have been negotiating.

Observers say the expected engagement between the two opposition groups may witness harmonisation of their views and strengthen their cooperation in the peace process.

(ST)